Local medical experts of Shanghai warned beauty seekers not to blindly use medicines for facelift after some young women went to hospitals for Lumigan, an eye-drop drug to treat glaucoma, for its eyelash enhancing effects.
"The solution Lumigan contains bimatoprost, which can enhance the growth of hair and is used as an economical eyelash serum by many people," said Dr Cai Jun from Shanghai Xinshijie Eye Hospital's Zhongxing branch.
"We have received several women patients, who asked for Lumigan without glaucoma after check."
Cai said bimatoprost has been developed into some foreign cosmetic products for its hair growth effects. However, authorities said overuse of such products is dangerous.
"Using Lumigan directly as cosmetic product is much more risky, as it is an eye-drop drug with side effects such as damaging eyesight and even causing cataract if used for a long time," he said.